USB 80 Gb/s vs. USB4, OCuLink, Thunderbolt 5, and Thunderbolt 4
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | USB4/USB 40Gbps | USB4 v2 / USB 80 Gb/s | OCuLink | Lightning 5 | Lightning 4 |
| Supported transfer speed | 40 Gigabits | 80 Gigabits | Up to 64 Gigabits with 4 PCIe 4.0 lanes | 120 Gigabit (for displays; otherwise 80 Gbps) | 40 Gigabits |
| Supported connectors | USB Type-C | USB Type-C | OCuLink | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
| Supported power modes | Up to 240 W | Up to 240 W | Not applicable | 240 W | 100W |
| Supported alternate modes | DisplayPort Alternate Mode | DisplayPort Alternate Mode | DisplayPort Alternate Mode | DisplayPort Alternate Mode | DisplayPort Alternate Mode |
If you are not up to date with current connection standards, Thunderbolt 5 cables supporting all of the above standards except OCuLink have been widely available on the Western market since June. The best options for eGPU users start with OCuLink, followed by either the 80 Gigabit version of Thunderbolt 5 or what is essentially USB4 v2. With 80 Gbps USB cables and older 40 Gbps USB cables, you can still achieve 80 Gbps throughput on a standard USB4 cable if both devices support USB 80 Gbps. Ensure the cable meets Power Delivery specifications.
Japan’s first officially licensed 80Gbps USB cable, especially the 240-watt version, offers new possibilities for consumers. While Japanese users might have already imported these cables, having them available in local electronics stores is a plus. US readers may opt for Thunderbolt 5 cables for enhanced USB features and additional bandwidth when connected to displays for a boost in performance.
FAQs
What is the transfer speed of USB4 v2 compared to other standards?
USB4 v2 offers 80 Gigabits per second, doubling the transfer speed of USB4/USB 40Gbps.
Which connectors are supported by the 80 Gbps USB cables?
The 80 Gbps USB cables support USB Type-C connectors for versatile compatibility.
What power modes are available with the 80 Gbps USB cables?
Users can experience power delivery of up to 240W with the 80 Gbps USB cables for efficient charging and operation.
Are DisplayPort Alternate Modes supported by the 80 Gbps USB cables?
Yes, the 80 Gbps USB cables support DisplayPort Alternate Mode for enhanced display capabilities.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the introduction of 80Gbps USB cables by Elecom and the comparisons with other standards provide consumers with a variety of options for their connectivity needs. Whether choosing Thunderbolt 5, USB4 v2, or USB 80 Gbps, users can expect high-speed transfers, power delivery, and alternate modes for versatile usage. Japan’s entry into this technology space adds another dimension to the market, offering innovative solutions for consumers globally.
Credit: herosweb.com
